A devastating fire broke out at a bed-and-breakfast operating in a five-storey building in Delhi's Malviya Nagar early on Wednesday morning. The blaze killed at least 21 people and injured several others.
People familiar with the matter said 18 foreign nationals were among the dead. Officials said most of them came from Central Asian and African countries.
Police later detained hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj. Earlier, officers had said he was absconding.
Rescue Teams Rush to the Spot
The fire triggered a large rescue operation. Teams from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), Delhi Police, and other emergency agencies rushed to the scene. Delhi Divisional Officer Ravinder Singh said rescuers completed the operation and fully extinguished the fire.
Ambulances shifted several injured people to nearby hospitals. Authorities have not yet released details about their condition.
Fire Started at Flourish Stay B&B
The fire erupted at Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani, a crowded area of Malviya Nagar. Delhi Fire Services received an emergency call in the morning and quickly dispatched firefighting teams.
The department sent, two water tenders, two water bowsers, a quick-response vehicle, and additional emergency equipment. Several fire engines reached the site around 8.50 am and worked to control the flames.
Three People Rescued from Restaurant Basement
A Delhi Fire Services official said firefighters rescued three people from the basement of Lemon Green Restaurant. CATS ambulances took the rescued individuals to a hospital for treatment. Officials did not immediately provide an update on their health.
Authorities Probe Cause of Fire
Investigators have not yet identified the cause of the fire. Officials continue to examine the scene and gather evidence. Authorities are expected to release more details after the investigation progresses.
Police Register FIR
Delhi Police registered an FIR under charges of culpable homicide in connection with the tragedy. Police sources told PTI that the hotel had only one entry and exit point. Investigators are also examining the fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Families Search for Loved Ones
The tragedy left many families in distress. Relatives gathered outside Max Hospital in Saket and searched for information about their loved ones. Many waited anxiously for updates from officials and hospital staff.
PM Modi Announces Compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives. He announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Families of those who died will receive ₹2 lakh each. Injured victims will receive ₹50,000 each.
Delhi CM Reacts
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed sorrow over the incident. In a post on X, she said teams from the Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and CATS Ambulance Services responded immediately after receiving information about the fire.
Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the devastating fire incident in Malviya Nagar.
— Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) June 3, 2026
My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength & courage to all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.…
She said their quick action helped rescue and evacuate several people from the building.